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Laparoscopically assisted resection of umbilical structures in foals.

Abstract: A technique for laparoscopically assisted resection of umbilical structures in foals was developed. Eleven foals ranging from 8 to 42 days old underwent this procedure. Results of bacteriologic culture of umbilical structures were positive in 7 foals. Mean duration of anesthesia was 99 minutes, of which the initial 20 to 25 minutes were typically devoted to positioning and preparation of the foal for surgery. Major complications did not develop in any foal. Minor complications, such as slippage of the endoscopic ligating clip or laceration of the bladder during dissection, were dealt with successfully during the procedure. Potential benefits of use of laparoscopy (i.e., decreased postoperative morbidity, smaller incisions, and increased intraoperative access to structures) must be carefully weighed against the risks of increased duration of anesthesia. However, anesthetic-related complications were not observed in any foal.
Publication Date: 1999-06-26 PubMed ID: 10382024
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This study discusses a developed technique for laparoscopically assisted removal of umbilical structures in foals. The technique was successful and offered potential benefits of decreased postoperative discomfort and smaller incisions, however, the increased duration of anesthesia posed some risks.

Methodology

  • The researchers developed a new technique to carry out laparoscopically assisted resections of umbilical structures in foals.
  • The study was conducted on eleven foals, aged between 8 to 42 days old.

Results

  • Seven out of eleven foals yielded positive results for bacteriologic culture of the umbilical structures, validating the presence of an infection.
  • The average anesthesia time was approximately 99 minutes, with the initial 20 to 25 minutes typically allocated for positioning and preparing the foal for the surgical procedure.
  • No major complications arose in any of the foals during the study.
  • Minor complications that occurred, such as the endoscopic ligating clip slipping, or the bladder being lacerated during the dissection process, were successfully managed during the surgery.

Potential Benefits Vs Risks

  • The potential benefits of using laparoscopy for this procedure include reduced postoperative morbidity, creation of smaller surgical incisions, and enhanced intraoperative access to the structures.
  • However, these benefits need to be cautiously considered against the possible risks related to the increased duration of anesthesia required for the procedure.
  • Notably, in this study, none of the foals experienced complications related to the anesthesia.

Cite This Article

APA
Fischer AT. (1999). Laparoscopically assisted resection of umbilical structures in foals. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 214(12), 1813-1792.

Publication

ISSN: 0003-1488
NlmUniqueID: 7503067
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 214
Issue: 12
Pages: 1813-1792

Researcher Affiliations

Fischer, A T
  • Chino Valley Equine Hospital, CA 91710, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn / surgery
  • Bacterial Infections / surgery
  • Bacterial Infections / veterinary
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / surgery
  • Horses / surgery
  • Laparoscopy / veterinary
  • Male
  • Umbilical Arteries / microbiology
  • Umbilical Arteries / surgery
  • Umbilical Veins / microbiology
  • Umbilical Veins / surgery
  • Umbilicus / microbiology
  • Umbilicus / surgery
  • Urachus / microbiology
  • Urachus / surgery

Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
  1. Klein C, Caston S, Troy J. Hernia formation after single-stage umbilical vein marsupialization in three Percheron foals diagnosed with septic omphalophlebitis. Clin Case Rep 2022 Aug;10(8):e6274.
    doi: 10.1002/ccr3.6274pubmed: 36034613google scholar: lookup
  2. de Oliveira Monteiro FD, Gurgel HJ, de Sousa SS, Barroso JPM, Vasconcelos GPB, Dos Santos DL, Araújo LHV, de Sousa LA, Dos Santos GMA, da Cunha Rossy K, da Silva VS, do Espirito Santo Fernandes C, da Conceição Guilherme B, Miranda HF, Silva CRG, Dos Santos Albuquerque R, Borges LPB, de Araújo GF, Landers RSM, Teixeira PPM. Intra-abdominal resection of the umbilical vein and urachus of bovine fetuses using laparoscopy and celiotomy: surgical time and feasibility (cadaveric study). Sci Rep 2021 Mar 5;11(1):5328.
    doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-84621-ypubmed: 33674673google scholar: lookup
  3. Hendrickson DA. A review of equine laparoscopy. ISRN Vet Sci 2012;2012:492650.
    doi: 10.5402/2012/492650pubmed: 23762585google scholar: lookup
  4. Saitua A, Sanchez de Medina A, Bulnes F, Buzon A, Miraz R, Argüelles D, Diez de Castro E. Urogenital surgery in foals. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1520491.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1520491pubmed: 40586037google scholar: lookup
  5. Buzon-Cuevas A, Duaso J, Sanchez de Medina A, Sierra JM, Perez-Ecija A, Mendoza FJ. Description of a Modified Two-Step Omphalectomy Technique Using the LigaSure(™) Device to Remove the Whole Extrahepatic Umbilical Vein: A Case Series Study in Equine and Donkey Foals. Animals (Basel) 2025 Mar 28;15(7).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15070981pubmed: 40218374google scholar: lookup